Background: Funding in Recent Economic Stimulus Legislation

National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
Funding in Recent Economic Stimulus Legislation

In September 2008 Sens. Reid and Byrd introduced a stimulus package, S.3604, which was defeated 52-42 on a motion to proceed to consideration of the measure requiring 60 votes on September 26, 2008. The bill included $100,000,000 for the NNSA Weapons Activities account. Although there is no explanation of the provision in the bill, Senate staff said it was for security upgrades at NNSA facilities and was included at Sen. Jon Kyl’s request.

On January 21, 2009 the House Appropriations Committee reported H.R. 1, American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The bill included no funds for the NNSA Weapons Activities account.

On January 27, 2009 the Senate Appropriations Committee reported S. 1, American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The bill included $1,000,000,000 for the NNSA Weapons Activities account. [More details from the report below.]
Legislative language:

The bill language for S.3604 is:
NATIONAL NUCLEAR SECURITY ADMINISTRATION
WEAPONS ACTIVITIES
For an additional amount for ‘‘Weapons Activities’’,
$100,000,000, to remain available until expended.

The bill language for S. 1 is:
NATIONAL NUCLEAR SECURITY ADMINISTRATION
WEAPONS ACTIVITIES
For an additional amount for weapons activities,
$1,000,000,000, to remain available until September 30, 2010.

The report language for S. 1 is:
ATOMIC ENERGY DEFENSE ACTIVITIES
NATIONAL NUCLEAR SECURITY ADMINISTRATION
WEAPONS ACTIVITIES
The Committee provides $1,000,000,000, of which $900,000,000 is
to be applied to address maintenance and general plant project
backlogs, other construction activities, and various energy projects
throughout the weapons complex. The remaining $100,000,000 is
for advanced computer research and development.

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Today’s issue of Nuclear Weapons and Materials Monitor provides more details on what NNSA actually is planning to do with the money

* $90 million for transformation disposition, the first stages of the NNSA’s plans to demolish 600 buildings and structures around the complex

* $360 million for energy projects

* $400 million for dozens of minor general plant projects involving the replacement of utility poles and electrical systems, the repaving of roads, and maintenance

* $50 million for site-wide security enhancements similar to what had been included in a previous version of the stimulus in the Fall